On May 13, World Cocktail Day is celebrated, a date dedicated to the creativity, technique, and talent of those who turn drinks into experiences. The origin of this celebration dates back to 1806, the year in which the first official definition of the word “cocktail” was published in an American newspaper. Later, during Prohibition in the United States, cocktails became even more popular, helping to mask the taste of lower-quality spirits.
Today, Lisbon has become one of the most exciting European cities for discovering signature cocktails. From hidden speakeasies and rooftops to historic venues and creatively themed bars, there are more and more places elevating the simple act of “having a drink” into a whole new experience. Every area of the city has its own unique energy — and they all deserve a toast!
And if you are staying at Luzeiros Suites, even better: its central location in Lisbon allows you to easily explore different areas of the city and comfortably return after a great night out!
Avenida da Liberdade, Intendente and Graça
Red Frog Speakeasy
📍 Praça da Alegria, 66B
Hidden behind an unassuming door, Red Frog Speakeasy is one of Lisbon’s most award-winning bars and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates signature cocktails. Its intimate atmosphere, inspired by the clandestine bars of the Prohibition era, turns every visit into an exclusive experience.
The menu focuses on creative combinations, modern techniques, and carefully crafted presentations, while never losing sight of flavour balance. The venue has been featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list several times, solidifying Lisbon’s place on the international mixology map. In addition to the quality of its cocktails, Red Frog stands out for its personalized service and constantly updated menu, keeping up with international trends without losing its own identity.
Café Klandestino
📍 Rua do Telhal, 65
Café Klandestino combines the relaxed atmosphere of a neighbourhood café with a creative approach to cocktails. Its concept is inspired by the old coffee smuggling routes between Portugal and Spain, creating a bold and distinctive identity.
During the day, it operates as a café and social gathering spot, by late afternoon, it transforms into a cosy cocktail bar, the perfect place to start the evening in a relaxed way. The cocktails move away from the conventional, often featuring unexpected ingredients and less obvious aromatic combinations.
The décor blends vintage and contemporary influences, making the venue especially popular with a young and creative crowd.
Onda Cocktail Room
📍 Rua Damasceno Monteiro, 45
Located in the Graça neighbourhood, Onda Cocktail Room offers a more intimate and sophisticated experience. The venue embraces a refined approach to contemporary mixology, where every cocktail is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
It was awarded Bar of the Year 2021 by Time Out Lisboa, a recognition that further reinforced its status among the city’s best bars. Here, the cocktails prioritise fresh ingredients, modern techniques, and minimalist presentations.
The calm and elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience, away from the usual bustle of Lisbon’s nightlife.
Príncipe Real and São Bento
Sneaky Sip
📍 Rua de Gustavo de Matos Sequeira, 42A
Sneaky Sip takes the speakeasy experience even further: the entrance is hidden, and access depends on a password shared on social media. This detail alone already turns a visit into a different and fun experience.
The bar is known for the boldness of its menu, which includes unlikely ingredients such as duck fat, anchovies or cheese, resulting in surprising and unconventional cocktails.
The atmosphere blends music, irreverence, and creativity, attracting mainly those looking for unique experiences in the Portuguese capital.
Pavilhão Chinês
📍 Rua Dom Pedro V, 89
Much more than a bar, Pavilhão Chinês is one of Lisbon’s most iconic venues. Housed in a former tea warehouse, it stands out for its impressive collections of miniatures, vintage toys, and historical objects displayed across its various rooms.
Open since the 1980s, it has become an essential reference in the city, maintaining to this day a unique and timeless atmosphere. Classic cocktails remain one of the venue’s main highlights.
Between themed rooms, snooker tables, and eccentric décor, every visit also becomes a visual journey through history and pop culture.
Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar
📍 Rua da Imprensa Nacional, 46
Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar brings together sophisticated cocktails and fresh oysters in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The concept focuses on a complete gastronomic experience, where drinks and food naturally complement each other.
The contemporary décor and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal spot both for a more laid-back early evening drink and for a different kind of dinner in the city centre.
The combination of signature cocktails and fresh seafood has been steadily turning the venue into a rising reference among those who appreciate distinctive gastronomic experiences.
Foxtrot
📍 Travessa Santa Teresa, 28
Open since 1978, Foxtrot is one of Lisbon’s historic bars and still preserves the classic charm that made it a city reference.
Its “Art Nouveau-inspired” décor, softly lit rooms, fireplace, and indoor garden create an elegant and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a quieter night out.
Over the decades, it has become a meeting point for artists, musicians, and various well-known figures from Lisbon’s cultural scene, maintaining a timeless ambience that is now rare in the city.
Bairro Alto and Chiado
Maria Caxuxa
📍 Rua da Barroca, 12
Maria Caxuxa is one of the best-known bars in Bairro Alto and stands out for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The music complements the setting without overwhelming the space, allowing guests to talk and enjoy the night at just the right pace.
Popular with both locals and visitors, it has become a regular stop in the city’s nightlife itineraries.
Its informal vibe and the energy of the space make it an excellent choice either to start the night or to extend an evening out in Bairro Alto.
The Secret Poet’s Society
📍 Travessa do Carmo, 4
Hidden behind a pastry shop in Chiado, The Secret Poet’s Society turns cocktails into experiences inspired by Portuguese literature.
The menu pays tribute to Fernando Pessoa and his heteronyms, creating drinks with names and concepts linked to poetry and writing.
The intimate, theatrical atmosphere enhances the sense of discovery, making this space one of the city’s most original concepts.
O Purista
📍 Rua Nova da Trindade, 16C
Purista combines cocktails, a barbershop, and snooker tables in a distinctive and irreverent concept. The space blends classic elegance with a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
Signature cocktails sit naturally alongside the bar’s social, informal setting, making it a popular meeting point in Chiado.
The décor, inspired by traditional English gentlemen’s clubs, gives the venue a strong identity and sets it apart from more conventional bars in the area.
Toca da Raposa
📍 Rua da Condessa, 45
Created by Constança Cordeiro, Toca da Raposa quickly became one of the city’s most respected bars for its creative and sustainable approach to mixology.
Its cocktails make use of Portuguese and seasonal ingredients, many of which are prepared in-house using artisanal and experimental techniques.
The minimalist space places full focus on the cocktail experience, prioritising quality, detail, and innovation.
Baixa Pombalina
Lisboa Bar
📍 Access Ramp to Rossio Station, 1
Lisboa Bar is a relaxed rooftop known for its panoramic views over the city and its laid-back atmosphere at the end of the day.
Between cocktails, ambient music, and sunsets over Lisbon’s rooftops, it has become one of the favourite spots for enjoying warm summer evenings.
The George
📍 Rua do Crucifixo, 58-66
The George combines the classic atmosphere of a British pub with cocktails, music, and sports screenings in the heart of Lisbon’s historic centre.
The venue is especially popular with groups and with those looking for a livelier, more relaxed night out in Baixa Pombalina.
Beyond its informal vibe, it stands out for its privileged location, making it ideal for continuing to explore the city after dinner.
Inverse by CR7
📍 Rua da Prata, 26
Inverse by CR7, located inside the Pestana Lisboa by CR7 hotel, brings together a sports bar, cocktails, and a contemporary atmosphere in a concept linked to the CR7 brand of the iconic Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo.
The space features a modern aesthetic, screens for following sporting events, and cocktails designed for a young and dynamic audience.
Situated in the heart of Baixa, it is a convenient option for those looking for a lively atmosphere without leaving the city centre.
Cabal
📍 Largo São Domingos, 16
Cabal is a laid-back cocktail bar that blends music, wine, and cocktails in a modern, urban setting.
With frequent DJ sets and a dynamic programme, it has become one of the most interesting spots for extending the night in central Lisbon.
The mix of an informal atmosphere and well-crafted cocktails makes Cabal an excellent option for ending the evening at a relaxed pace.